Match Report - SCTFC 4 - 2 Anstey Nomads FC

Sutton were in their best form of the season, and although they performed well last Saturday in getting a draw, it felt like a loss. Conceding somewhat unfairly in the dying minutes of that game! It brought about a 7-game unbeaten streak going into this week’s game against Anstey Nomads. The Nomads were unbeaten in the league so far this season, and Sutton needed to improve home results going into this very difficult game.

Stuart’s team for the game was altered somewhat due to a suspension for Collins and an injury to Burgess pre-game.

The team was as follows: Brown, Christophorou, Carter-Byrne, Lima, Beresford, Doyle, McSkeane, Sawyer, Tague, Hilton and Edmunds.

It was a slow start for both sides, but Anstey broke the deadlock on 10 minutes when Robinson volleyed in from close range. 0-1 Nomads.

Sutton tried to get back into the game quickly.

Edmunds delivered a lovely ball into the box for McSkeane who rose above the defender to head just wide of the near post.

Tague trapped a high ball, turned the defender, and got his shot away in a slick move which had Logan diving to his near post to keep the ball out.

Anstey were playing well and keeping the ball for long periods, but Sutton were able to break away at times. Hilton did this well on 39 minutes with a great run down the wing. He beat two defenders, before firing low from just outside the box. Unfortunately, Logan got down well to prevent the equaliser.

It was a difficult half for Sutton, with Anstey controlling the game well and limiting the chances for Sutton.

Kyle Byrne replaced Sawyer at half time.

Sutton came out in the second half looking to get on the front foot. But disaster in the 48th minute when Anstey made it 2. Blake lofted the ball over Brown and into the back of the net. 0-2 Nomads.

Byrne looked sharp as he weaved his way into the box before firing low, which Logan was equal to in the Nomads box.

McSkeane hit one from outside the box which flew into the net to get Sutton back in the game. 1-2 Nomads

Sutton were lifted by the goal, and Hilton drove forward and across the goal. He laid a ball out wide to Byrne who fired across goal past Logan and into the net to bring the scores level. 2-2

A ball into the box and beyond Logan was met by a bullet header from Byrne to put Sutton in the lead. Nobody in the ground could quite believe the turnaround and the Ansty players looked bewildered themselves.

The Nomads pushed for an equaliser but as they did, a ball over the top fell to Tague as he ran towards goal. A little drop of the shoulder sent the keeper off balance as he curled into the bottom left to put Sutton 4-2 up.

A second yellow for a foul by Christophorou, and sending off right on full time, wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of this comeback win against a side that was unbeaten in the league.

This was a fantastic performance from the lads, and without two of their main midfielders. Eight games unbeaten and a trip away to Harborough Town next week.

#COYR